TITLE 4: ECONOMIC RESOURCES
DIVISION 9: LABOR
§ 9601. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (a) “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor. (b) “Commonwealth” means in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the geographic area comprising the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (c) “Governor” means the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Source: PL 11-22, § 2, modified. Commission Comment: PL 11-22 took effect on July 10, 1998. PL 11-22 contained findings, repealer, and severability clauses as follows: Section 1. Findings. The Legislature finds the issue of minimum wage in the Commonwealth is of utmost importance to the Commonwealth’s internal need to promote a healthy, orderly and prosperous economy for all its people. Towards that end it is in the best interest of the people of the Commonwealth to establish wage review committees for the Commonwealth. The Legislature finds that the current Wage and Salary Review Board (the “Board”) established under 4 CMC § 9238 has been ineffective. This Act has been specifically tailored to address the weakness of the former Board which it abolishes. Specifically, the committees differ from the Board in that they will be more broadly representative of the general public and, significantly, provide for a much greater federal participation in the Commonwealth wage review process. Further, establishment of special industry committees, the Governor may consult with the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Legislature notes that the success of the wage review committees established hereby depends on active participation by the relevant federal parties. ... Section 5. Repealer. 4 CMC § 9238, as enacted by P.L. 9-73, is hereby repealed. Section 6. Severability. If any provision of this Act or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance should be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Act or the application of its provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby.